Archive for November, 2009

3rd National Convening of the Fulfilling the Dream Fund

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

October 21-23, 2009

Approximately 100 grantees and donors of this Public Interest Projects’ collaborative fund came together for three days in Charlotte, North Carolina for a final opportunity to celebrate the group’s accomplishments, strengthen social networks and discuss strategic opportunities. In addition to the on-site management, arrangements were made for the meeting’s production, the guests’ hotel and travel and on-and off-site food and beverage and entertainment, over the course of the 10-month planning period.

The Fulfilling the Dream Fund used Ginger Donnan Events as the event planner for our national convening. She was always the consummate professional, brought us in under budget, and negotiated great deals on our behalf. She is adamant about sticking to the budget, and found creative ways to maintain quality and cut costs. Having Ginger on the team freed staff up to focus on content planning and design, knowing that the logistics were all set. During the convening she handled any travel snafus, made sure that people got their needs met, made sure that everything went smoothly, and was there to troubleshoot as necessary. – Maritza Guzmán, Program Manager, Public Interest Projects, October 2009, September 2008 and December 2007

NYC Event Venues

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

We’ve been spending a lot of time over the past few weeks looking at New York City venues for some big dinners and receptions and here are our findings:

230 Fifth – This venue is known for their rooftop happy hour scene but a new buzz about it will start once they open their new room, the Fifth Avenue Empire Penthouse, for gala dinners and receptions. With 16 chandeliers and views of the all the best midtown skyscrapers, this space is set to fill a void left by the Rainbow Room.

Bridgewaters – One of the most flexible event spaces due to two large rooms and a wrap-around, outdoor deck, this venue has another incredible view – the Brooklyn Bridge, up close and personal.

Chelsea Art Museum – The bright red exterior should pique guests’ interest and the artwork and space inside will hold it. The 1st floor can hold almost 400 people for a cocktail reception and additional floors above can be used to expand the party.

Espace – This modern pair of rooms on the ground floor of the Atelier Building is run by the Capitale team, so they come to the scene with tons of experienced events behind them. They’ve taken it to the next level with upgraded equipment, including LED lighting technology.

La Venue – These four adjoining spaces, inside The Terminal Stores on the West Side, include beautiful brick work, hardwood floors and redwood columns. Guests enter the reception area from 28th Street and proceed into the largest area, Stage 6, which is 7,000 square feet. The built-in track lighting is ready and waiting to pin-spot tables but the low ceilings also beg for a Prohibition-themed event. 

Prince George Ballroom - Not your typical ballroom, thanks to the colorful, Byzantine mosaic ceiling and contrasting, modern, loft-like lobby.

Tribeca Rooftop – An old-y but good-y, well-loved by brides and non-profit organizations alike because of its varied space, rooftop (of course) and reasonable pricing for good food and service.

Many thanks to our good friends at Kool Events for their introductions!